2027 NORTHVIEW HIGH SCHOOL BAND
EUROPE CONCERT TOUR
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Please note that the following information describes the Student Itinerary. Although the Adult Bus Itinerary will be similar, hotel locations may differ. An itinerary specific to the Adult Bus will be sent with the Adult Bus Trip Documents Packet. Transportation will always be
provided for participants on the Adult Bus who wish to attend the
concert performances. Dates are tentative and subject to change
Day 1 – MONDAY, JUNE 21 – USA / EUROPE . . . Overnight Flight to Europe
Meet at Northview High School to board buses for the transfer to your U.S departure airport. Check-in and go through security prior to your flight.
Day 2 – TUESDAY, JUNE 22 – THE NETHERLANDS . . . arrival at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Morning arrival at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. After instruments and luggage are loaded, board your motor coach to transfer through the Dutch lowlands, much of which are below sea-level. The canals, dikes, bridges and windmills seen along the way create your first impressions of The Netherlands. Pause in a picturesque Dutch village with time to stretch your legs and get an introduction to the Dutch “gezeligheid,” a friendly, cozy feeling. Continue to your accommodations for check-in, dinner and overnight.
(Breakfast in flight, Dinner)
Day 3 – WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23 – THE NETHERLANDS . . .Arnhem Open Air Museum & Deventer
Begin your day with a visit to the Arnhem Open Air Museum, which introduces you to Dutch customs and traditions through examples of historically authentic farmhouses, cottages and businesses. Continue to the charming city of Deventer with time for independent lunch and exploration. This is a perfect opportunity to order a Dutch pancake at one of the many cafes. In the afternoon, the Northview High School Band will perform in front of the Waag (weigh house) on the city’s main square. Return to your accommodations in Arnhem for dinner and a second overnight. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 4 – THURSDAY, JUNE 24 – GERMANY . . . Rhine River & Rüdesheim
Cross the border from the Netherlands into Germany and travel on the Autobahn (expressway) making a lunch stop along the way. Leave the Autobahn near Koblenz and travel along the Rhine River, into the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a 65km-stretch with castles, historic towns and rolling vineyards. An afternoon visit to Rüdesheim provides the opportunity to take a cable car above the vineyards for expansive views of the Rhine River Valley below. Continue to your accommodations this evening for an included dinner and overnight. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 5 – FRIDAY, JUNE 25 – GERMANY . . . Heidelberg & Nördlingen
Proceed to the city of Heidelberg, situated along the Neckar River and dominated by its red sand-stone castle. This renowned university town is considered by many to embody the spirit of Germany. As a group, take the castle funicular up to the castle ruins to walk the grounds and visit the exhibits such as the Apothecary Museum and see the world’s largest wine barrel. After further time to explore the old town, depart Heidelberg and continue to the Medieval walled-city of Nördlingen, your home for the next two nights. Dinner is provided at your accommodations. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 6 – SATURDAY, JUNE 26 – GERMANY . . . Rothenburg & Nördlingen
Transfer along the northern section of the Romantic Road to medieval Rothenburg. As you walk into the center of this storybook village, you are sure to be enchanted by the intact city walls, cobblestone streets, historic inns, and quaint shop fronts. You may wish to climb the “Rathaus” Bell Tower (Town Hall) for a birds-eye view of the city. Be sure to visit a bakery to try the local specialty “Schneeballen” and check out the draconian instruments of punishment at the Medieval Criminal Museum. This afternoon, the Northview High School Band will perform a concert on the Rothenburg Market Square. Return to your accommodations in Nördlingen for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 7 – SUNDAY, JUNE 27 – GERMANY. . . Dachau & AUSTRIA. . . Flachau
Travel through the heart of Germany to arrive in Dachau for a somber visit to the former concentration camp. Those who prefer, may remain at the visitor’s center at the entrance. An Audio guide provides the flexibility to view your choice of exhibits at your own pace. In the afternoon, stunning alpine scenery welcomes you into the Salzburg province of Austria. Spend the next two nights among the natural beauty of mountain-fed rivers and flower-laden meadows. Dinner is served upon arrival at your accommodations. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 8 – MONDAY, JUNE 28 – GERMANY . . . Berchtesgaden Salt Mine & AUSTRIA . . . Salzburg
This morning, journey back into Germany to the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine. These are the oldest active salt mines in Germany, having been mined since 1517. Donned in mine-worker coveralls, descend deep into the mountain by way of a customized rail system and a series of giant slides. Following an included lunch, continue the short distance back into Austria and to the city of Salzburg, birthplace of Wolfgang Amedeus Mozart. The imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress provides a stunning backdrop as you stroll through Salzburg’s famous shopping streets with highly ornate, wrought iron signs. Dinner is independent today, providing a little more free-time before the Northview High School Band performs an evening concert in the Mirabell Gardens. Scenes from “The Sound of Music” were filmed on these beautiful, manicured grounds. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 9 – TUESDAY, JUNE 29 – GERMANY . . . Königsee & AUSTRIA . . . Axams
A short drive brings you to the Königsee, an idyllic setting for another memorable experience. Located in the heart of the Berchtesgaden National Park, the lake is surrounded by mountains and cliffs creating a unique natural masterpiece. A ride on the Jennerbahn cable car will transport you nearly 6000 feet above the lake and to a panorama-path providing breathtaking views. For your independent lunch, enjoy Bavarian dishes at the panoramic terrace restaurant or return to the town below and purchase items for a picnic lunch along the lake. This afternoon, travel to the Austrian province of Tyrol and to your accommodations near the Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck, with dinner served after check-in. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 10 – WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30 – AUSTRIA . . .Alpine Coaster & Innsbruck
Another spectacular adventure awaits this morning at the Hoch Imst Alpine Coaster! Take a chairlift to board individual toboggans (equipped with hand-breaks) and travel a winding rail during a breathtaking ride as you coast down the mountain. After an exhilarating morning, proceed to the imperial city of Innsbruck. One of the city’s most iconic sights is the Golden Roof Balcony, built during the rule of Emperor Maximilian I so he could watch entertainment in the square below. This afternoon, the Northview High School Band will perform in Innsbruck before being treated to dinner and a Tyrolean Folklore Show, presenting traditional dancing, yodeling, and unique musical instruments. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 11 – THURSDAY, JULY 01 – SWITZERLAND . . . Schaffhausen & Engelberg
Depart this morning and journey through the Arlburg Tunnel. At just under 14 kilometers (8.6 miles) this is Austria’s longest road tunnel. Pause for a morning stop before crossing the border into Switzerland to reach Schaffhausen, where the powerful Rhine Falls will delight and impress. Board a boat for an exciting journey to the base of the falls. Take time for independent lunch before continuing to Engelberg, Switzerland, your mountain village home for the next two nights. After check-in and dinner, enjoy a walk through town or on one of the many mountain walking paths. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 12 – FRIDAY, JULY 02 – SWITZERLAND . . . Stans & Lucerne
This day focuses on an unforgettable excursion to the top of Mount Stanserhorn, located on the edge of gorgeous Lake Lucerne. From the village of Stans, ride a funicular train and then an open-top cable-car up the 6000-foot mountain for incredible views. Take in the panoramas from the viewing platforms, relax on the restaurant terrace, or hike along the scenic trails. Your visit to Stanserhorn includes a local version of macaroni and cheese for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the lovely town of Lucerne to walk the covered Chapel Bridge and shop for delicious Swiss Chocolate. The Northview High School Band will perform this evening in the village of Stans as part of their Stanser-Summer Festival. Your Engelberg accommodations will provide either a plated or picnic dinner tonight, depending on what works best for the concert schedule. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 13 – SATURDAY, JULY 03 – FRANCE . . . Nancy
After an early breakfast, travel north past Basel, strategically situated at the point where Switzerland, Germany and France meet. Crossing the border into France, the mountains give way to hilltop settlements, rustic vineyards and beautiful forests in the Alsace Region and Vosges Mountain Range of France. Pause for lunch in one of the French towns near the border. By the late afternoon, arrive in the medieval old town district of Nancy for sightseeing and independent dinner among rococo fountains and ornate buildings. This evening, transfer to your accommodations located close to the borders of France, Luxembourg and Germany. (Breakfast)
Day 14 – SUNDAY, JULY 04 – BELGIUM. . . Bastogne & THE NETHERLANDS . . . Schiphol Airport Area
Your first stop today is the city of Bastogne, a significant location of fighting during World War II. The townspeople of Bastogne remain deeply grateful for the American troops who liberated them during World War II’s Battle of the Bulge. This is evident in the American Flags you’ll see throughout town, as well as several war memorials and museums that commemorate the sacrifices of the Americans who fought here. This afternoon, travel north through Belgium and The Netherlands. Dinner will be served upon arrival at your accommodations near Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 15 – MONDAY, JULY 05 – THE NETHERLANDS . . . Schiphol Airport & USA
Transfer to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to check in for your flight. Return home a richer person, having gained special life-long memories. (Breakfast, in-flight meals)